Surgical tool



Sept. 4, 1923.

FQ N. cox

SURGICAL TOOL Filed June 1, 1921 INVENTOR fifflm/c/r War/27 (0x BY M W DWITNE SS %& ATTORNEYS Patented Sept. 4, 1923.

orrsn star.

IA'LZBI SURGICAL TOOL.

Application filed June 1,

fectant for wounds and sores, and a meansof cautery for bites or woundssuspected of infection by rabies or tetanus respectively.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a self-containedimplement for the prompt and efiicient treatment of snake bites. Anotherobject of the invention is to provide a surgical tool embodying a lancetfor laying open the wound, and two chambers in I which are carriedremedial agents. Another object of the invention is the provision of adevice of the character described which will be durable under theconditions obtaining in the tropics and which will hold the remedialagents without danger of loss by rupture or loosening of the container.

My invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some ofwhich, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the followingdescriptionof my invent-ion. It is to be understood that I do not limit myself tothe showing made by the said description, as I may adopt variant formsof my invention within the scope of the claim.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 is an elevation of the surgical toolof my invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view thru the center ofthe device. Fig. 3 is a vertical sec tional view taken in a planeindicated by the line 33 of Fig. 2.

In tropical countries, especially in India, thousands of persons dieyearly as a result of the bites of poisonous snakes. In other countriesas well, and especially in the unsettled portions thereof, the travelerfaces a very real danger when bitten by venomous reptile-s or insects ifhe is without prompt aid. Physicians agree that the best treatment forsuch wounds is the prompt application of a tourniquet above the wound toprevent as far as possible the absorvtion of the venom into thecirculation, to lowed by the opening up of the tissue immediatelysurrounding the wound, the expulsion of as much venom as possible from1921. Serial No. 474,184.

surrounding tissue by hand pressure, and cleansing, the application ofan oxidizing agent, such as permanganate of potash, and in the case ofalkaloid poisons the stimulation of the heart by strychnine or caffeine.Since in an emergency of this sort prompt action is absolutelyessential, it is necessary that the tool with which the incision aboutthe wound is made and the remedial agent shall be immediately availableon the spot when urgently needed. Since permanganate of potash willcause bad burns upon the body if spilled in the pockets of a garment andleft there to become moistened by rainor perspiration, it is necessaryto provide a tight and durable container,

unaffected by moisture, ordinary heat, and

usage. The proper use of the lancet requires an adequate mountingtherefor, that is to say, a handle large enough to be readily graspedand manipulated. If unnecessary delay and insutlicient incision are tobe avoided, the lancet must be sharp and properly protected to retain itin good condition. To meet all of these problems I have devised mypresent invention which comprises a barrel 2 which is hollowed out toform a chamber 8, sufliciently large to hold a quantity of permanganateof potash sufficient forthe above mentioned purposes. The closed end ofthe barrel is provided with a threaded nipple 4 in which a two edgedpointed blade 6 is removably mounted. Preferably the blade is formedwith a flange 7 and a threaded shank 8 which screws into the end of thebarrel. A cap 9 adapted to enclose the blade 6 is internally threaded toscrew over the nipple 4L, and when in place completely encloses andprotects the blade.

The open end of the barrel is provided with a nipple 11 adapted to beengaged by the threaded end of the closure 12 which also comprises acontainer for tablets of strychnine or caffeine carried in the chamber13 formed in the closure. The open end of the closure is also providedwith a nipple 14: adapted to receive the threaded end of the closure 16the other end of which is formed with a nipple 17 threaded to receivethe cap 9 when it is removed from the lancet end of the device.Preferably the portions of the device are provided with knurled areas 18to indicate the joints between them,

for the same reason. I prefer to make the tool body of bakelite orvulcanite or similar substance which is unaffected by ordinary changesof temperature, moisture and handling, the knife being of course made ofsteel.

The entire device as shown in Fig. 1 may readily be carried in a pocketwhere it is instantly available in case of need. In the event of a biteit requires but a few seconds to unscrew the cap 9 so that the la-ncet 6may be used to open the wound. The closure 12 is then readily unscrewedso that the permanganate is available for use, after which the closure16 is taken off to give access to the heart stimulant. After use, thelancet blade should be cleaned and the chamhers reloaded for anysubsequent emergency.

I claim:

A surgical tool comprising a hollow barrel having a threaded nipple ateach end, a l'ancet arranged at one end of said barrel, a closure forsaid hollow-,barrel comprising a container threaded at one end to fitone of the barrel nipples and having a threaded nipple at its other end,a closure for said container threaded at one end to fit the cOI1- tainernipple and having a threaded nipple at the other en l,'and a capthreaded to fit the other barrel nipple and the last named closurenipple.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand.

FREDERICK NUTTER cox.

